This document discusses different types of errors that can occur in measurement. There are five main types of errors: 1) Gross errors are faults made by the person using the instrument, such as incorrect readings or recordings. 2) Systematic errors are due to problems with the instrument itself, environmental factors, or observational errors made by the observer. 3) Random errors remain after gross and systematic errors have been reduced and are due to unknown causes. Taking multiple readings and analyzing them statistically can help minimize random errors. 4) Absolute error is the difference between the expected and measured values. 5) Relative error expresses the error as a percentage of the real measurement.

1. 1
Measurement
Error
Prof.Dr.Chinna Chadayan.N
RN.RM., B.Sc (N)., M.Sc (N)., Ph.D (N).,
Professor
Enam Nursing College
Msc (N) I year
Unit 15a
Measurement
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2. Error in measurement
Definition of error : The deviation/ different between true
values ​​(computed) and measured values of quantities
Factors that affect the measurements are related to
the measuring instruments
the person using the instrument
• Error may be expressed either as absolute or as percentage
relative error
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3. Types of error
1) Gross Error
2) Systematic Error
3) Random Error
4) Absolute Error
5) Relative Error
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4. 1) Gross Error
Fault of person using the instruments such as incorrect reading , incorrect
recording of data or incorrect use of instruments.
can be reduced : by proper meter reading and connection, avoid careless etc.
2) Systematic Error
Due to problems with instruments, environmental effects, or observational
error
i. Instrument errors may be due to friction in bearing of the meter,
incorrect spring tension, improper calibration or faulty instruments.
ii. Environmental errors is Environmental conditions in which instruments
are used may cause errors (Example : high temperature/ pressure /
humidity/strong electrostatic or electromagnetic field.
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5. 2) Systematic Error
iii. Observable errors are those errors introduced by the observer. Probably
the parallax error in reading a meter scale and the error of estimation
Can be reduced : proper maintenance, use and handling of instruments and
minimized those effect magnetic shield
3)Random Error
• These are errors that remain after gross and systematic errors have been
substantially reduced.
• These errors are due to unknown causes.
Can be minimized (reduced) by taking many reading of each instrument
and analyzed statistically (determining mean value).
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6. 4)Absolute Error
Absolute (actual) error is the differences between the expected value and the
measured value , or
𝑒 = 𝑌𝑛 − 𝑋 𝑛
where,
𝑒 = absolute error
𝑌𝑛 = Expected value
𝑋 𝑛 = Measured value
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7. 5) Relative Error
Relative error is how much error you had compared to the real measurement
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9. Thank you
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